Celebrating the beauty of God's grace

[This is the eighteenth post about the Blessed Hope–the return of Jesus Christ (Lawlessness)]

About five years ago I traveled to a writer’s conference in Colorado.

After arriving at the Denver airport, I rolled my squeaky suitcase outside to wait for the shuttle van that would take me to the conference center.

Standing on an island of hot concrete, I blinked into the bright sunshine. In the distance, the cool, ice-capped Rockies soared into a pure blue sky, their sharp peaks softened with downy white clouds.

That refreshing vision brought beauty and peace to my soul. It breathed new life into my travel-weary bones.

I kept that exhilarating view in mind as I rode in a packed van for a two-hour journey. The trip was anything but refreshing.

The twisting mountain roads and switchbacks kept my eyes glued to the road, praying for safety. The van pulled over a couple of times because of car sickness. I silently sipped my water, praying I wouldn’t get sick, too.

Ironically, the close-in mountains and trees kept me from seeing any far-off vistas.

But the road we travel getting there is bumpy and treacherous. There are sharp curves, switchbacks, and sickness. We can’t see the vista because of the pine trees. But we have to keep going and stay the course, the beauty unfolds just ahead!

Jesus spoke about endurance when he taught about the last days.

Lawlessness will be the order of the day. Many will be offended at the gospel and the name of Jesus. Hate will lash out like a serpent’s tongue.

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. . . And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10,12, nkjv).

Take heart knowing Jesus has prayed for us! Just before His crucifixion, we were on His mind! He lifted up His eyes to the Father and prayed,

“Keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. . . ” and, “I do not pray that Your should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one” (John 17:11,15, nkjv).

Jesus goes before us, is beside us, and is our rear guard!

And we have fellow travelers to hand us a cold water when we’re parched and tired. Our companions are those we are to be one with, our brothers and sisters in Christ.